Hi Laura,
I will be the first to echo what Sandy said. Thank you ladies for trying to make the forums as safe as possible for us!! I too think we could try the e-mail validation. I know when I first started coming to the forums I didn't just jump right in, I visited for a while first before becoming involved. I also think it would be worth the wait for any newcomers. Thanks again for all you do for us!!![;)]

I have absolutely no problem with the e-mail validation. It's used frequently on much more frivolous message boards, after all [:D] and I don't think anyone would be offended by it.

As far as approval goes, I think as long as you make the necessity of the policy clear to the potential new member, and the wait time for approval is minimal, it should work out fine. If you see a dropoff in new membership after the policy goes into effect you could always change it again.

You know, guys, this brings up a good opportunity to discuss forum security measures. We do have a couple of different ways of increasing security. First is the option of email validation (meaning when you register or change your email address) you have to click on a link that "proves" you have an active email address and we also have the option of "approving" new members before they can post.

The upside of new measures is that we have increased security and less of a chance that you guys will get hit with spam like this. The downside is that new members would have to wait to post until they're "approved" for membership. Would this be an unnecessary barrier letting people post? Or is the wait worth it? I'm very interested in hearing what you guys think about this, please let us know what would be ideal for you!

Hi Ileana - my email this morning had a message that said it was sent from the Preeclampsia Foundation website. The address was anafiel@hotmail.com. It was spam trying to sell a pregnancy test kit. This has never happened before - thought I should let you know. Thanks.